MADISON ENERGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
TOWN OF MADISON
MADISON TOWN HALL
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016
DRAFT MINUTES
MEMBERS PRESENT: Noreen Downs – Co-Chair/PB Rep, Russ Dowd – Co-Chair, Bruce Kennedy –Library Rep, and Ken Eckhardt – School Rep,
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Bob King – Sel. Rep., Nicole Nordland, Russ Lanoie
OTHERS PRESENT: Carol Dandeneau -Madison TV, Cheryl & Paul Littlefield, Colleen King– Recording Secretary, Cheryl Littlefield, Selectman Josh Shackford, Madison Administrative Assistant Linda Farinella, Rick Handley of NH Wood Energy Council
CALL TO ORDER – Mrs. Downs called the meeting to order at 7:01pm and welcome Colleen King as the new Recording Secretary, replacing Chris Young.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Mrs. Downs introduced the Board and presented the agenda for approval with a quorum present. Mr. Dowd moved and seconded by Mr. Kennedy.
Motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT – The public declined to comment.
PRESENTATION – RICK HANDLEY, NH WOOD ENERGY COUNCIL
Mr. Handley gave a power point presentation on the importance of assessing the Town’s heating requirements and how wood energy and wood heating could possibly meet their needs. His key points centered around the Biomass Heating Options for the Town Highway Garage and the Madison Elementary School. The NH Wood Energy Council, supported by the US Forest Service provides a feasibility study and then assigns an Energy Coach. There was discussion comparing wood pellets versus wood chips and the cost, storage, emissions, boiler costs, service and maintenance criteria. Mr. Handley provided a Life Cycle Cost Analysis Summary for the Madison Elementary School and the Town Garage, with the assumption that 1 boiler would remain as a back-up.
Mr Handley stated these findings: (Note- these are NOT recommendations)
- Biomass Heating is technically feasible for Madison; dependent on future oil cost.
- Heating only the school appears to be the best option.
- A “Flex Fuel” system should be considered – buy a boiler to burn pellets and wood chips.
- State incentives are available to early adopters and could have significant financial impact on project economics.
Please see the Madison TV video for committee member’s questions and comments. Mr. Dowd thanked Mr Handley for his informative presentation. The meeting resumed at 8:10pm
APPROVAL DRAFT MINUTES, JUNE 26, 2016 – Mrs. Downs moved to accept the minutes as written. Mr. Kennedy seconded. Motion passed.
OLD BUSINESS:
REPORTS ON LAST MEETINGS ACTION ITEMS
-Noreen Downs will get the report on Eversource Lighting Retrofit proposal.
There was discussion regarding the payback period for lighting –Town Hall is 5-7 yrs, Library is 8-10 yrs and the school is 7-9 yrs. We need to get in line for this program before the opportunity and the funds are gone. Mrs. Downs suggested putting forth a Warrant Article for funding a program for the school. A feasibility study could be presented in March.
NEW BUSINESS:
DISCUSSION REGARDING NEXT STEPS AND ACTION ITEMS
-Mr Dowd suggested that a presentation on Solar Power Purchase Agreement/Proposal be done similar to tonight’s wood energy proposal.
-Noreen Downs will investigate the electric costs in the EPA Costs Portfolio Manager.
NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING - Thursday, October 20, 2016 7PM, Madison Town Hall
ADJOURNMENT – Mr Kennedy motioned to adjourn; Mr Dowd seconded.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:34 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Colleen King, Recording Secretary
MADISON ENERGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
August 18, 2016
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